Chris Johnson and company performed songs from their widely acclaimed 2009 record, The Tide and The Current as Lola's patrons stood shoulder-to-shoulder, soaking in the rich sonic texture that washed over the room like a warm, satisfying zephyr. Which was nice, because it was cold and rainy outside.

And here's a vid i captured of Chris and Tamara collaborating on "Low":

Chatterton had been playing some of their new songs at recent live shows, and tonight they celebrated the release of their new EP, The Cold Hard with their loose but refined brand of Lone Star rock. Kevin Aldridge and the boys kicked off their set with their own twist on Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers' angsty "Jammin' Me." Mr. Aldridge updated the lyrics with the mention of the Jay Leno controversy and the gentrification of the Fort Worth neighborhood he calls home, which was clever and fun, even if it tripped up those of us trying to sing along. Later in the set, they covered Lucinda Williams' "Joy" (Tom Petty style) in another nod to their southern rock roots. Chatterton has always worn their influences on their sleeve, and the songs they presented on this night reflected not only where they've been but where they are going as one of Fort Worth's treasures of the new century.

Opening the night was Denton songster Glen Farris, who shared a set of lonesome ballads in true Texas troubadour style. Armed with a gorgeous Gibson guitar and a homemade stomp box, Mr. Farris charmed a restless crowd with his heartfelt delivery of songs evoking the sorrow of the small town everyman.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Grapevine's Mount Righteous threw down at a sold-out Andy's Bar on Friday January 8, 2010 with the help of Giggle Party and Mr. Troll. The sing along sounds of everyone's favorite 9-piece folk rock orchestra oompahed, thumped and crashed their way out to the still, cool night air of the Denton square on that frigid evening as the crowd wailed along. It was the best tour kick off party Denton has seen this decade. Not kidding. Look: